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Q: Is it more feasible to try and repair a heavily damaged home or to forget it and start over elsewhere?

A: That will depend on each individual home. If the foundation is in good shape, you still have a good starting point on which to either repair or rebuild. Many factors, such as current code requirements, can affect whether you should try to repair a home versus rebuilding it. If your home is 90 percent damaged, you will probably be advised to rebuild at the same spot or elsewhere. Homes that are more than 50 percent damaged, or substantially damaged, may be required to be repaired to current building codes. Check with your local building inspections department.

Q: Are you required to document the repairs you make to your home as a result of a hurricane? If you sell your home, do you have to disclose that it was flooded?

A: You must document and report any repairs made to your home from hurricane-related damage. Real estate agencies are updating seller disclosures.

Q: How do I avoid getting taken advantage of by contractors?

A: This is a difficult period and one when overstressed homeowners often fall victim to unscrupulous workers. Before having any work done on your home or property, find out about the people with whom you are dealing. Check to see if they are licensed with the state. Anyone doing home repairs in Florida must be licensed by the state. The Disaster Contractors Network site, www.dcnonline.org, is a great source for homeowners who want to find a contractor or vendor offering repair and rebuilding services. The website includes a license check that allows homeowners to check if a contractorís license is valid and current.

Also, ask for proof of liability insurance. Without it, you could be sued by the worker in case of accident. Before any work begins, have a written and signed contract. Make sure all details of the job are spelled out clearly. This contract should state both a beginning date and a completion date for the job. And make sure you have proof of the mailing address and physical location of the business doing the work. If someone comes to your home asking for work, you have three working days to cancel any agreement you make without a penalty. You also will want to obtain the contractorís address and phone number. Never pay for work before it is done, and never give workers money to buy supplies unless you know them well. If it is absolutely necessary to purchase supplies ahead of time, buy them yourself. Donít sign a completion statement until all work has been satisfactorily finished. If youíre paying on credit, know all of the loan details. If a lien is being placed against your home, be sure that all contract blanks are filled in before signing.

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Q: What should I salvage from my flood-damaged house?

A: Ask yourself: What is the extent of the damage? What is the cost of the article? What is its sentimental value? What will be the restoration cost? Antiques probably are worth restoring. Minor repair can be done at home, while extensive work should be done by a reliable repair shop. Solid wood furniture usually can be restored, unless damage is severe. Also, wood-veneered furniture might be worth repairing if the veneer is loose in only a few places. Upholstered furniture may be salvageable if the padding and upholstery are replaced.

Q: What types of assistance does the Federal Emergency Management Agency provide?

A: When the president declares a disaster, FEMA provides assistance to individuals under the Individuals and Households Program, which may include grants for minor home repairs, to rent a place to live if the home is unlivable, and for other needs such as medical costs and transportation. Victims may be eligible for low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration. Assistance is provided to local governments under the Public Assistance program, to reimburse costs for debris removal and provide funding for repairs to infrastructure and public facilities.

Q: How do I apply for FEMA assistance?

A: Register online at www.fema.gov or by phone, toll-free, at: (800) 621-3362, or (800) 462-7585 for those with speech or hearing impairments.

Q: I need a place to stay tonight. What should I do?

A: Shelters may be open in your area. Check with the American Red Cross and your emergency management office. If you have an immediate need for housing when shelters are closed, contact the American Red Cross at (866) 438-4636.

Q: I donít have enough money to repair my house. What can I do?

A: Work with your insurance agent, FEMA, the Small Business Administration and volunteer agencies to develop a housing plan.

Q: How long does it take to get a check from FEMA?

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A: Once the required information is received by FEMA to make a determination on assistance, and assuming you are eligible, a check will be issued within a few days. You may be eligible for an electronic funds transfer, or you may receive a check in the mail.

Q: The inspector who looked at my house was here for only five minutes and would not answer my questions. Do I need another inspection?

A: Inspectors are trained professionals familiar with the building trades. Some inspections may require 30 minutes to an hour to complete. Inspectors do not answer questions about the program or determine the applicantís eligibility; they are there to verify the disaster-related damage. If you have questions, read the applicant guide FEMA mailed to you. You will get a letter from FEMA informing you of the case decision. If you do not agree with the decision, you may make an appeal in writing to FEMA.

Q: Can I clean up my mess or do I have to wait for the FEMA inspector?

A: Begin cleanup as soon as possible. Inspectors are trained to determine what disaster-related damage occurred. You may take pictures for your records if you want, but it is not required by FEMA. However, some insurance companies may require photo documentation of any repairs made.

Q: How long will it take to get an inspection?

A: After you have registered with FEMA, and if an inspection is required, you will be contacted by an inspector for an appointment to meet with you at the damaged property, usually within 14 days. If you have not heard from an inspector, call the FEMA Disaster Helpline at (800) 621-FEMA (3362) or (800) 462-7585 for those with hearing or speech impairments.

Q: How will the FEMA inspector reach me?

A: An inspector will contact you using the telephone numbers you provided when you registered with FEMA. It is very important for you to keep your contact information current with FEMA.

Q: Where will I stay while my residence is being repaired?

A: Rental assistance is the first option, whether you own or rent your primary residence. FEMA, along with state and local partners, searches for all sources of temporary housing in a community, including rental properties or temporary accommodations, such as hotels.

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Q: Are travel trailers or mobile homes available here?

A: If there is no other housing to meet your needs, FEMA may provide you with a travel trailer or mobile home. It is the option of last resort, if there are no rental resources in the area.

Q: Do I have to pay for a travel trailer?

A: If you are provided a travel trailer by FEMA, you do not have to pay rent, except when that rent would be covered by your insurance (additional living expense) coverage. Occupants must pay for utilities. You may stay in a travel trailer up to 18 months from the date of the disaster declaration while working on your permanent housing plan. Only in extraordinary circumstances will an extension beyond the 18 months be granted. If you have to stay longer, FEMA may ask you to pay rent.